Brewdog Dead Pony Club

Dead Pony Club is one of BrewDog’s most enduring session beers — a 3.8% ABV West Coast pale ale that repeatedly proves you don’t need to drink a lot of alcohol to get a lot of flavour. It was named after an old Smashing Pumpkins lyric, which tells you something about the kind of cultural references BrewDog lean on. More importantly, it’s a consistently excellent session pale ale that’s become a genuine everyday craft beer for a lot of people in the UK.

Tasting Notes

Dead Pony Club pours a clear, bright golden colour with a white head. The nose is vivid and hop-forward: citrus peel, a hint of pine resin, and some floral notes that together make it smell considerably bigger than 3.8%. On the palate the hop character carries through — citrus and floral upfront, a moderate bitterness through the middle, and a clean dry finish. The body is light but not thin, and the carbonation is lively. For a beer of this strength, the flavour delivery is genuinely impressive.

Verdict

Serve cold and drink it fresh — the hop character fades over time. Dead Pony Club is the answer to the question of what to drink when you want a flavoursome craft beer but need to keep it sensible. It’s one of the best session pale ales available in the UK at any price point. Pairs well with lighter food or just on its own as an everyday drinking beer. A BrewDog staple for good reason.